The Cozumel Sun News March 2, 2018

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Ultramar Starts Operation of Vehicle Ferry, Bombing confirmed in Playa del Carmen explosion on board Barco Carib, Buccanos at Night celebrates one year Anniversary, and in Aurita’s Cozumel Corner health update, Cozumel Crime Update, and Cozumel Government Elections.

Bombing confirmed as cause of explosion in Playa del Carmen Pier

Barcos Carib the Ferry Company owned by the family of former Governor Borge have ceased Ferry services from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen for the safety of their customers. On  February 21 a powerful blast occurred on a Barcos Carib Ferry at the pier in Playa del Carmen that  injured 25 passengers and 5 crew member. At the time,  expert considered it strange that the explosion originated in the engine room without damaging the pontoons and did affect the intermediate deck, but not the access floor. The owner of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), in the entity, speculated that it was a mechanical failure, while the company Caribe Caribe said that their machines worked properly.

Later articles, confirmed that it was not mechanical failure, that it was a bomb. The company announced through the media  that the company’s paperwork was in order and the service would continue. Then Thursday, local media reported that three days before the blast, two homemade explosive devices were found attached to another ferry anchored out in the channel.  Photos of a pipe bomb tied to the bottom of a Barco Carib boat, near the propeller, have circulated on social networks this week. There are reports that a Cartel claimed responsibility . The company has ceased all operations.

The State of Quintana Roo Department of Tourism issued a statement today  ensuring the public that tourism to Cozumel is still safe, that the government is investigating the incidents and have even accepted assistance from the FBI. It stressed that all incidents have been directed to the Company Barcos Carib and with that company no longer in operation, the threat to the locals and tourists has been removed. Security measures have been heightened to ensure the safety of passengers and local government asks that all of Cozumel work together in a positive manner to help Cozumel stay a safe destination to live and visit.

According to the Yucatan Expat Life article today, the United States Embassy has posted an alert on  the embassy’s website warning U.S. travelers to exercise caution. The same article the international cruise line Princess Cruises informed its customers that it has canceled all its tenders in Playa del Carmen, and asked them to avoid all ferries from Cozumel.

Fact: Former Quintana Roo Governor Borge, from Mexico’s ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), was extradited in January from Panama to face charges of embezzlement and abuse of public office, which he denies.  What this bombing was about is irrelevant at this point, the fact is party or parties involved had no regard for the life and safety of the passengers and crew.

Fact: Barcos Carib broke the monopoly that kept Cozumel passenger ferry fares one of the highest in Mexico. Passage to and from Playa del Carmen was unfairly high for Island inhabitants and definitely affected the tourist industry. The fares have not been raised, but speculations are that we will probably see some changes in the near future.

Buccanos at Night is grateful of its 1st year anniversary at our new terrace rooftop and we would like to thank each and every client that made our dreams come true during this new journey.  Multi-ethnic, multi-sensory dining experience where flavors clash on purpose. Contemporary seafood, fresh fish & premium quality ingredients that change with the season. Ocean view dining terrace with a panoramic view of the mainland skyline enhanced by torches & candlelight and a new extended upstairs Seaview Terrace and an air-conditioned dining room. A more relaxed and social approach to dining await you at Buccanos at Night, an Enchanting Location for Fine Dining!

Wednesday – Sunday night from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Reservations:  01 987 872 0100   Email       buccanos@yahoo.com

Ultramar Starts Operation of Vehicle Ferry

On February 28^th Ultramar started officially transporting vehicles from Cozumel to Calica and back with with a Free trial run that departed Cozumel at 12:30 pm and returned from Calica at 3 p.m.

Baldwin’s Guest House Cozumel
http://baldwinsguesthousecozumel.com/
baldwinsguesthousecozumel@gmail.com
52 (987) 872-1148
USA & Canada: (770) 934-6987

MARCH SPECIAL! 10% DISCOUNT IF YOU BOOK THIS MONTH FOR YOUR STAY DURING SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR!

Baldwin’s Guest House Cozumel is the only B & B on Cozumel with a consistent 5-star review rating on TripAdvisor. We are a small boutique hacienda with 4 suite guest rooms in the main house and a casita with living room, kitchen, bedroom and bath. Our beautiful and clean pool has a waterfall set in an oasis containing over 400 species of plants. We have free cable TV, Wi-Fi and an outdoor kitchen for guests. Manager provides Happy Hour every day with your choice of drinks. We provide a breakfast every day with fruit, yogurt and a hot entree. Cleaning service provided daily. Laundry service provided for a small fee. We are in a residential area 12 blocks from the Malecon and close to local restaurants including Casa Mission, Mr. Taco and El Sazón del Camerón. Come and see why we have been a guest favorite for over 20 years!

Aurita’s Cozumel Corner

Note: Please excuse the lapse of time between articles. My operation went as planned on March 9^th at IMSS hospital. What did not go as planned were complications with the operation that have delayed my recovery. The same day of my surgery family member Sharon Miller fell and fractured her arm, like son Bartolo and had surgery at Cozumel’s Centro de Salud the following week. Then, for the Trifecta, husband Charles had a medical setback with his Diabetes and other complications. We have four adults under one roof in different stages of recovery, three that have one arm that works properly and I unable to quite get myself functioning yet. PLEASE bear with me this month while I get back on my feet.

It is election time in Cozumel, the newspaper articles are ugly accusatory and constant. There is no accountability of the press and it is difficult to know what is true from election rhetoric. Home Robberies and Petty crime seem to be on the rise, whether related to ousting the current government in the next elections or not, it is real. As I have always said, visit the Cozumel Humane Society and adopt a dog if you do not already have one at home for your home security. The neighborhood Crime watches seem to be a success and neighbors are cooperating in watching out for each other, reporting suspicious activities, and even resulting in some arrests.

Leave your handbags and backpacks at home! The motorcycle bandits that grab ahold of hand bags and backpacks and drive off leaving people injured from being dragged and knocked down are still around. Do not wear flashy jewelry, do not roam the streets after dark alone, USE COMON SENSE. After saying all this, I have not read of any crime on this island that did not take place back home. On the contrary, Cozumel is a much safer place to visit and live. Hopefully something will happen soon with the lack of sufficient law enforcement to get these delinquents off our beautiful streets. A handful of bad apples on the island are threatening to ruin Cozumel’s good name.

Thank you to everyone that has expressed their well wishes for our family’s recovery, especially those of you that have come over to lend a helping hand, we love you!

Papeleria Mama Lilly / The Cozumel Sun Headquarters

Our Neighborhood Store: Do you need Office Supplies, School supplies, copies, printing, book binding,  laminating, or internet access? Give Papeleria Mama Lilly your business!  Store proceeds go towards helping a local family become self-sufficient.  Located with The Cozumel Sun Offices in my home at 35 Avenida Sur Entre Calles 17 & 15 Bis Colonia Independencia.

In addition to gift bags, wrapping paper, novelty items and gifts, we now carry AVON and MARY KAY Products! Catalogs are in our store! Stop by browse the catalogs and order your favorite Avon or Mary Kay Products! We have started stocking MK Fragrances and cosmetics and some Avon Fragrances will be in stock this Friday.

Again, our home houses The Cozumel Sun Office, Papeleria Mama Lilly Store, our Collection Center and Garage Sales. We are located at #1081 35 Avenida Sur between Calles 17 and 15 Bis. Colonia Independencia.  Anyone outside of the island can donate to any of our projects through The Cozumel Sun via PayPal.

Sun Garage Sale: Now collecting items for Distribution and Sales: Please keep donating the items you do not need, drop it off anytime day or night, or call and we will pick up!

Aura Holguin-Resch
The Cozumel Sun News
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Papeleria y Novedades Mama lilly
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auraholguin@thecozumelsun.com
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